FACTS AND CAUSES OF POVERTY IN

PAKISTAN AND SOUTH ASIA

Poverty in Pakistan has been recorded by the World Bank South Asia, despite
being home to one-fifth of the world's population, faces significant challenges
with poverty. While the region has seen progress in recent decades, millions still
struggle to meet their basic needs. Here's a closer look

SOUTH ASIA:

41.5% of the population in South Asia lives below the national poverty
line, according to the World Bank (2019).
This translates to 648 million people living in poverty.
India has the largest number of people living in poverty (226 million),
followed by Bangladesh (40 million).
Pakistan:
39.3% of the Pakistani population lives below the World Bank's lower-
middle-income poverty line of $3.20 per day (2020-21).
This translates to approximately 87.4 million people living in poverty in
Pakistan the government estimates the poverty rate to be around 22%.
Rural areas affected by poverty, with a poverty rate of 28.2% compared
to 10.9% in urban areas (World Bank, 2018-19).
Children are particularly vulnerable, with 44% of children under 5 years
old living in poverty (World Bank, 2019).
CAUSES OF POVERTY IN SOUTH ASIA AND
PAKISTAN:
Poverty is not caused by a single factor, but rather a complex interplay
of economic, social, political, and environmental issues. Addressing
these challenges is essential for poverty reduction
 Multiple factors contribute to poverty, including:
o Lack of access to quality education and skills
o Limited job opportunities and economic inequality
o Political instability, conflict, and weak governance
o Climate change and environmental degradation
o Gender inequality and discrimination
Rapid population growth

 Limited access to quality education: Low literacy rates

and inadequate educational opportunities restrict skill
development and limit future job prospects, perpetuating
poverty.
 Inequality and unequal distribution of resources: A
significant wealth gap exists, with the richest 20% holding
a disproportionate share of income, leaving many lacking
basic necessities.
 Limited job opportunities: Informal sector dominance,
lack of formal employment opportunities, and skills
mismatch contrib
 to underemployment and low wages.
 Rapid Population Growth: Rapid population growth
strains resources and infrastructure, hindering poverty
reduction efforts.
  Weak governance and corruption: Ineffective policies,
bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption divert resources
away from poverty alleviation programs.
 Gender inequality: Limited educational and economic
opportunities for women restrict their contribution to
household income and overall development.
Climate change and environmental degradation: Natural
disasters and resource depletion disproportionately impact the
poor, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities